Propulsion device and backpack

ABSTRACT

A propulsion device configured to impart movement to a skate- or ski-type vehicle with a person standing thereon for pushing or pulling the person can include a frame, a motor, a drivable member, a plurality of legs, and at least one lock. The motor can be mounted on the frame. The drivable member can be mounted on the frame and driven in motion by the motor. The plurality of legs can each be mounted on the frame for pivoting movement between a respective retracted position and a respective extended position. The at least one lock can be disposed to selectively lock the plurality of legs in the respective retracted positions. A backpack can be configured to hold the propulsion device.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle and more particularly to vehicle for imparting movement to a skate- or ski-type vehicle with a person standing thereon for pushing or pulling the person.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

U.S. Pub. No. 20110017539 discloses a LIGHTWEIGHT PROPULSION DEVICE FOR PROVIDING MOTIVE FORCE TO A SKATE EQUIPMENT USER. The propulsion device for use with skate equipment includes a frame having an upper end and a lower end, a motor mounted on the frame, a single wheel and first and second hand grips. The single wheel is mounted at the lower end of the frame and operatively connected with the motor to be driven thereby. The first hand grip is mounted on the frame above the motor, spaced apart from the upper end of the frame when the propulsion device is placed in its normal angle of use, and in front of a user's body. The second hand grip is adjacent the upper end of the frame and is positioned behind the user's body when the device is in an operable position. Additionally, the hand grips are positioned to enable a user to position the propulsion device between operative and raised positions while the user is in motion.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

A propulsion device configured to impart movement to a skate- or ski-type vehicle with a person standing thereon for pushing or pulling the person can include a frame, a motor, a drivable member, a plurality of legs, and at least one lock. The motor can be mounted on the frame. The drivable member can be mounted on the frame and driven in motion by the motor. The plurality of legs can each be mounted on the frame for pivoting movement between a respective retracted position and a respective extended position. The at least one lock can be disposed to selectively lock the plurality of legs in the respective retracted positions. A backpack can be configured to hold the propulsion device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description set forth below references the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a left-hand view of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and shows a lock;

FIG. 4 is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a backpack configured to hold the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a secondary body of the backpack shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the backpack shown in FIG. 5 with a portion cut-away;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an exemplary clamp that can be applied in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 9 is a template that can be used to retrofit a backpack with a secondary body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiments described below, can propel vehicles such as a skateboard or snowboard or sled. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to push or pull a children's wagon or carriage. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can also be used to assist moving a dolly up an incline or down a hall way. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can power a manual wheel chair. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can make a workload easier in situations where moving a heavy wheeled object may be problematic, such as if one were working alone in construction and needed to dolly around tools around a school or other large facility.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can solve various problems. A first can be that electric skate boards are expensive one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be cheaper and available in different price amounts depending on use. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can also makes snowboarding much easier to learn and can allow one to avoid the lines at the resort and tow oneself back up the hill. This may save money on lift tickets as well. Electric skateboards are also very fragile. They seem to break very easily and can't be used to perform tricks or race when broken, making them strictly for transportation. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can allow the rider to lift the wheel for big bumps or threats to the motor. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can also allow the rider to resume use as a normal skateboard/snowboard with the push of a button. This also gives the operator a great chance to get some good hands-free video footage of themselves. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for transportation as well. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can appeal to a lot of people, not just skateboarders and snowboarders but to a vast variety of people.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can give controlled functional mobility to wheeled objects. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can function with one to three interchangeable batteries powering an electric motor attached to a drivable member such as wheel or winter track. A clamp can be above the drivable member that can be clamped to objects (mechanical, hydraulic and electric clamp versions), all with quick release on the handle. A frame can extend to a handle supporting controls. The handle may be able to pivot and lock depending on what leverage is needed or can also be adjust to accommodate the height of the user or the amount of pressure applied to the ground or floor with the wheel.

The handle can support multiple control buttons, such as an acceleration button, a braking button, a clamp release, and a tripod release. Tripod legs can be maintained in a refracted position so the user can skate board, for example, and can be released as the user and skateboard separate from the embodiment so that the embodiment will not be damaged. When a camera is mounted on the embodiment, such as a phone that has a camera, the embodiment can thus act like a camera tripod capturing a great picture. The legs also add stability to an embodiment if needed by a particular user. The product disassembles very quickly and can be stored in a backpack or bag leaving ample room for the rest of the operator's belongings. The backpack can include a special holder for a skateboard, while leaving a large amount of extra space to pack other belongings and done so with maximum organization. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include a motor lock requiring a key to start the motor for security. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can include a delayed brake timer for the best camera quality. The brake trigger can lock or the brake itself can lock if triggered.

A plurality of different embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar features across different embodiments have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic suffix. Similar features in a particular embodiment have been numbered with a common two-digit, base reference numeral and have been differentiated by a different leading numeral. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

A propulsion device 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-2. The device 10 can be configured to impart movement to a skate- or ski-type vehicle, such as a skateboard 12, carts or other kinds of wheeled vehicle. The device 10 can include a frame 14. The exemplary frame 14 can include two hollow members 16, 116. The hollow members 16, 116 can be joined together at a pivot joint 18. The hollow members 16, 116 are shown aligned with one another in an operating configuration. When the device 10 is not in use, the hollow members 16, 116 could be pivoted about the pivot joint 18 and be adjacent to one another to make the device 10 more compact for storage.

The frame 14 can extend from a base or lower end 20 to an upper end 22. A handle 24 can be mounted at the upper end 22. The handle 24 can support a plurality of user-engagable buttons or levers.

A motor 26 can be mounted on the frame 14. The exemplary motor 26 can be an electric motor powered by one or more batteries. The batteries can be stored in the hollow members 16, 116 of the frame 14. In other embodiments, the motor 26 can be a gas-powered engine. In other embodiments, a drill could be used as the motor. Controls for the motor 26 can be mounted on the handle 24. A first button 28 can cause the motor 26 to accelerate. A second button 30 can cause the motor 26 to decelerate, such as by engaging a brake (not shown).

A drivable member 32 can be mounted on the frame 14. The drivable member 32 can be driven in motion by the motor 26. The exemplary drivable member 32 is a wheel.

A plurality of legs 34, 134 can each be mounted on the frame 14 for pivoting movement between a respective retracted position and a respective extended position. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the legs 34, 134 in the respective extended positions. A biasing member can be engaged with each leg 34, 134 to urge the respective leg 34, 134 into the respective extended position. An exemplary biasing member in the form of torsional spring is referenced at 36 associated with a two-piece linking arm 38. The torsional spring 36 is positioned at an elbow of the two-piece linking arm 38 and biases the two-piece linking arm 38 away from a folded orientation. Movement supporting members 40, 140 can be respectively positioned at distal ends of the legs 34, 134. The exemplary movement supporting members 40, 140 are wheels.

A lock can be disposed to selectively lock the plurality of legs 34, 134 in the respective retracted positions. Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary lock 42 can include a latch 44 pivotal about a pin 46. The pin 46 can disposed inside of the hollow member 16. The lock 42 can also include a biasing member 48 biasing the latch 44 to a locking position. The latch 44 can include a hook portion 50 engageable with a hook portion 52 fixed to the leg 34. It is noted that the lock 42 can include similar components to lock the leg 34 or the hook portion 50 can engage both legs 34, 134.

The lock 42 can also include a wire 54 engaged at a first end to the latch 44 and at a second end to a button 56 mounted in the handle 24. The button 56 can be pivotal about a pin 58. When the user urges the button in the direction referenced by arrow 60, the latch 44 rotates about the pin 46 and the hook portion 50 separates from the hook portion 52. The biasing device 36 can then urge the leg 34 away from the frame 14 and into the extended position.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a clamp 62 can be mounted on the frame 14. The clamp 62 can be configured to selectively clamp on a skate- or ski-type vehicle, such as the skateboard 12. The exemplary clamp 62 includes a first jaw 64 and second jaw 66 mounted at the end of an arm 68. The clamp 62 can be biased into a grabbing configuration, such as by a biasing member (not shown). The clamp 62 can be released (or the first and second jaw 66s separated) with a button 70 mounted in the handle 24. The exemplary clamp 62 can be pivotal in multiple axes. For example, the position of the first jaw 64 and the second jaw 66 can be shifted by rotating the arm 68 about the axis of the drivable member 32. One such alternative position is shown in phantom in FIG. 2. Also, the first jaw 64 and the second jaw 66 can pivoted about the arm 68. Different positions of a top surface 72 of the first jaw 64 in the solid line and phantom representations demonstrate such pivoting.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an exemplary clamp that can be applied in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The clamp 62 a can be configured to selectively clamp on a skate- or ski-type vehicle, such as the skateboard. The exemplary clamp 62 a includes a first jaw 64 a defined by the end of an arm 68 a and a second jaw 66 a pivotally mounted on the arm 68 a with a pivot pin 67 a. The arm 68 a can be mount on the axle of a drivable member at a base 71 a. The clamp 62 a can include a motor 73 a driving a worm drive 75 a in first and second opposite rectilinear directions. The worm drive 75 a can include a drive pin 77 a engaging the second 66 a.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a mounting member 74 can be mounted on the frame 14. The mounting member 74 can be configured to support a camera. The mounting member 74 can include clamps, straps or any other structure operably to hold a camera at a desired orientation. The exemplary mounting member 74 can be mounted on the frame 14 between the plurality of legs 34, 134. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,735,441, 6,293,449, 7,077,302 and U.S. Pub. No. 20100005636 are hereby incorporated by reference as examples of mounting members that can be applied in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure for holding a camera on the frame 14 at a desired angle.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the present disclosure can be defined by a device 10 a. The device 10 a is substantially similar to device 10. The device 10 a includes a movement supporting members, such as movement supporting member 40 a, defined as a ski. The device 10 a also includes a drivable member 32 a defined as a track. The device 10 a can be desirable to operate with a sled or ski.

In operation, a user can be riding the skateboard 12 while holding the handle 24. The legs 34, 134 can be locked in the respective retracted positions. The user can be pressing the first button 28, causing the motor 26 to drive the drivable member 32 and propelling the user and skateboard 12 forward. The user can have mounted a camera in the mounting member 74 and activated the camera so that the camera is filming.

At a moment chosen by the user, the user can cease pressing the button 28 and press the button 56 to release the lock 42 retaining the legs 34, 134. The biasing devices, such as biasing device 36, can urge the legs 34, 134 into the respective extended positions. The legs 34, 134, frame 14, and mounting member 74 can thus cooperate to define a tripod supporting the camera.

At a moment chosen by the user, the user can cease pressing the button 28 and press the button 56 to release the lock 42 retaining the legs 34, 134. The biasing devices, such as biasing device 36, can urge the legs 34, 134 into the respective extended positions. The legs 34, 134, frame 14, and mounting member 74 can thus cooperate to define a tripod supporting the camera. Generally at the same time, the user can press the button 70 thereby releasing the clamp 62. This uncouples the device 10 and the skateboard 12.

The user can then release the handle 24 and execute a skateboard move while the camera films the move from close proximity. By way of example and not limitation, the user can complete a backside, catch air, or perform a kick-flip as the camera is supported on the device 10 and filming.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a backpack 76 can be configured to hold the propulsion device 10. The backpack 76 can include a primary body 78 and a secondary body 80. The primary body 78 can define a primary cavity and have an outer surface 82. A zipper 84 can be used to selectively close and open the primary cavity. The device 10 can be folded and/or disassembled and stored in the primary cavity. The backpack 76 can include straps 86, 186.

The primary body 78 can be flexible, such as formed from fabric. The secondary body 80 can be rigid, such a plastic box-like structure. The secondary body 80 can have an opening 88 surrounded by the outer surface 82. The opening 88 can be substantially flush with the outer surface 82. The primary body 78 and the secondary body 80 can be connected in any desired way, including thermal welding, adhesive, or fasteners.

The secondary body 80 can be at least partially positioned within the primary cavity and can define a secondary cavity 90. A plurality of doors 92, 192 can extend across a majority of the opening 88. Each of the plurality of doors 92, 192 can be pivotable between a respective open position and a respective closed position. FIG. 5 shows the doors 92, 192 in the respective open positions and FIG. 7 shows the doors 92, 192 in the respective closed positions. FIG. 6 also shows the secondary body 80 separated from the primary body 78.

A gap can be defined between the plurality of doors 92, 192 when each of the plurality of doors 92, 192 is in the respective closed position. FIG. 5 shows the exemplary gap to be a diamond shape. A plurality of biasing devices, such as referenced at 94, 194, 294, 394, can be arranged to bias one of the plurality of doors 92, 192 to the respective closed position.

The secondary cavity 90 can include a first portion 96 and a second portion 196 shaped substantially similarly and spaced from one another. The secondary cavity 90 includes a third portion 296 shaped differently from and positioned between the first portion 96 and the second portion 196. In operation, the user can open the doors 92, 192. The user can then direct the wheels of the skateboard 12 into the first portion 96 and the second portion 196 and direct a truck of the skateboard 12 into the third portion 296. The doors 92, 192 can swing closed as the wheels and truck of the skateboard are being received in the secondary cavity 90. The diamond-shaped gap can surround a portion of the truck of the skateboard. The biasing devices 94, 194, 294, 394 can keep the doors 92, 192 closed and thereby keep the skateboard 12 mounted on the backpack 76.

Alternatively, an embodiment of the present disclosure can have doors that slide rather than pivot. A pair of such doors can be arranged with gears to move rectilinearly at the same time, either closer together or further apart. Such doors can be smaller and vertically-oriented versions of horizontally-oriented hanger doors. Such doors could cooperatively define a gap or aperture when closed to fit around a portion of the truck of the skateboard 12. Such doors could be biased to the closed position by one or more springs.

It is noted that the secondary body 80 and any associated doors can be an aftermarket item. The secondary body 80 could be added to retrofit an already-purchased backpack. The backpack can be modified by cutting an appropriately-sized and—shaped hole in the backpack. The installation can be guided by a template/faceplate for proper installation. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary template/faceplate 98 that can be applied in one or more alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. The secondary body 80 can then be inserted in the hole and affixed with adhesive or fasteners such as rivets. The secondary body 80 could also be mounted to a wall in another invention.

In one or more embodiments, the device 10 can include a system to move the camera. The camera can be moved to follow the user after the user has released the device 10. The camera could be moved from side to side and up or down. The system can include a sensor and/or transmitter worn by the user, a receiver on the device 10, and a processor configured to detect the position sensor based on the signals received by the receiver.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Further, the “present disclosure” as that term is used in this document is what is claimed in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other present disclosures in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A propulsion device configured to impart movement to a skate- or ski-type vehicle with a person standing thereon for pushing or pulling the person and comprising: a frame; a motor mounted on said frame; a drivable member mounted on the frame and driven in motion by said motor; a plurality of legs each mounted on said frame for pivoting movement between a respective retracted position and a respective extended position; and at least one lock disposed to selectively lock said plurality of legs in said respective refracted positions.
 2. The propulsion device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one biasing member urging at least one of said plurality of legs into said respective extended position.
 3. The propulsion device of claim 2 further comprising: a mounting member configured to support a camera and mounted on said frame between said plurality of legs.
 4. The propulsion device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one movement supporting member positioned at a distal end of at least one of said plurality of legs.
 5. The propulsion device of claim 4 wherein said at least one movement supporting member is further defined as a wheel.
 6. The propulsion device of claim 4 wherein said at least one movement supporting member is further defined as a ski.
 7. The propulsion device of claim 1 wherein said drivable member is further defined as a wheel.
 8. The propulsion device of claim 1 wherein said drivable member is further defined as a track.
 9. The propulsion device of claim 1 further comprising: a clamp mounted on said frame and configured to selectively clamp on a wheeled- or ski-type vehicle.
 10. The propulsion device of claim 1 further comprising: a mounting member configured to support a camera and mounted on said frame.
 11. A backpack configured to hold the propulsion device of claim
 1. 12. The backpack of claim 11 comprising: a primary body defining a primary cavity and having an outer surface; a secondary body having an opening surrounded by said outer surface and defining a secondary cavity, wherein said secondary body is at least partially positioned within said primary cavity.
 13. The backpack of claim 12 wherein said primary body is flexible and said secondary body is rigid.
 14. The backpack of claim 12 wherein said opening is substantially flush with said outer surface.
 15. The backpack of claim 12 further comprising: at least one door extending across at least a portion of said opening and pivotable between an open position and a closed position.
 16. The backpack of claim 12 further comprising: a plurality of doors extending across a majority of said opening, each of said plurality of doors pivotable between a respective open position and a respective closed position, said plurality of doors being configured to at least one of pivot and slide.
 17. The backpack of claim 16 wherein a gap is defined between said plurality of doors when each of said plurality of doors is in said respective closed position.
 18. The backpack of claim 16 further comprising: a plurality of biasing devices each arranged to bias one of said plurality of doors to said respective closed position.
 19. The backpack of claim 12 wherein said secondary cavity includes a first portion and a second portion shaped substantially similarly and spaced from one another.
 20. The backpack of claim 19 wherein said secondary cavity includes a third portion shaped differently from and positioned between said first portion and said second portion. 